Sunday's letters: Salute to a real hero

Published: Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 5:41 p.m.

Most members of my generation cannot fathom the unjust environment of the Deep South in 1965. Yes, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling was groundbreaking in 1954, but in states such as South Carolina, segregation was still king into the late 1960s.

And especially during Black History Month, I embrace the experiences of those people who came before us, who left us powerful examples of courage, endurance and sincere faith. People such as Lisco Thomas Jr.

In 1965, 15-year-old Lisco got word that one of the white high schools was planning to enroll African-American students. Lisco thought long and hard before deciding that he wanted more out of life and that a new experience could give him an edge. Lisco went on to be in the first class of African-American students to graduate from the high school in 1967. He was the first in his family to attend college, became the very first African-American to graduate from Spartanburg Methodist College in 1969, and was among some of the first African-Americans to attend Furman University.

Lisco was not embraced with open arms by everyone along the way. There was the lonely isolation, shunning and vocal racial epithets. There were cruel teachers and students, but he also recalls the students and teachers who brandished fairness and equality.

There have always been people who stood against the standard, who wanted more from both themselves and society. I proudly salute those individuals. I am so honored to know Lisco Thomas Jr. as a pioneer, as my mentor and as my father. He is a real-life hero.

As I see President Barack Obama walk out of the White House on my television set, I am grateful for those who walked before him — who helped foster the opportunity.

Shana Thomas-Thornton

Atlanta, Georgia

No Excuse For Abuse event

I would like to send a big thank you to the city of Spartanburg, the Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition of Spartanburg and the many dancers who turned out to make our No Excuse For Abuse — One Billion Rising event a pinnacle of success!

This past Valentine’s Day evening, dancers of all ages and many spectators joined together in an effort to end violence against women and children.

We were part of the One Billion Rising global event that was created by playwright Eve Ensler.

A portion of East Main Street was closed, and the weather was perfect! We danced in the street while the evening sun cast shades of reddish gold on each and every one of us. Dancers had been rehearsing since January, and when it all came together, it was astonishing to see everyone hugging and laughing and feeling so much a part of doing something good for the community. I will always feel the jolt of how awesome it was to see loving human beings bent on helping each other and sharing such joy through dance and purpose.

Thank you to all my friends, committee members and dancers for your time and energy. You will always have a special and humbled place in my heart. We did it!

<p>Most members of my generation cannot fathom the unjust environment of the Deep South in 1965. Yes, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling was groundbreaking in 1954, but in states such as South Carolina, segregation was still king into the late 1960s.</p><p>And especially during Black History Month, I embrace the experiences of those people who came before us, who left us powerful examples of courage, endurance and sincere faith. People such as Lisco Thomas Jr.</p><p>In 1965, 15-year-old Lisco got word that one of the white high schools was planning to enroll African-American students. Lisco thought long and hard before deciding that he wanted more out of life and that a new experience could give him an edge. Lisco went on to be in the first class of African-American students to graduate from the high school in 1967. He was the first in his family to attend college, became the very first African-American to graduate from Spartanburg Methodist College in 1969, and was among some of the first African-Americans to attend Furman University.</p><p>Lisco was not embraced with open arms by everyone along the way. There was the lonely isolation, shunning and vocal racial epithets. There were cruel teachers and students, but he also recalls the students and teachers who brandished fairness and equality.</p><p>There have always been people who stood against the standard, who wanted more from both themselves and society. I proudly salute those individuals. I am so honored to know Lisco Thomas Jr. as a pioneer, as my mentor and as my father. He is a real-life hero.</p><p>As I see President Barack Obama walk out of the White House on my television set, I am grateful for those who walked before him — who helped foster the opportunity.</p><p><em>Shana Thomas-Thornton</em></p><p><em>Atlanta, Georgia</em></p><h3>No Excuse For Abuse event</h3>
<p>I would like to send a big thank you to the city of Spartanburg, the Safe Homes Rape Crisis Coalition of Spartanburg and the many dancers who turned out to make our No Excuse For Abuse — One Billion Rising event a pinnacle of success!</p><p>This past Valentine's Day evening, dancers of all ages and many spectators joined together in an effort to end violence against women and children.</p><p>We were part of the One Billion Rising global event that was created by playwright Eve Ensler.</p><p>A portion of East Main Street was closed, and the weather was perfect! We danced in the street while the evening sun cast shades of reddish gold on each and every one of us. Dancers had been rehearsing since January, and when it all came together, it was astonishing to see everyone hugging and laughing and feeling so much a part of doing something good for the community. I will always feel the jolt of how awesome it was to see loving human beings bent on helping each other and sharing such joy through dance and purpose.</p><p>Thank you to all my friends, committee members and dancers for your time and energy. You will always have a special and humbled place in my heart. We did it!</p><p><em>Jan Hammett</em></p><p><em>No Excuse for Abuse — One Billion Rising event coordinator, Spartanburg</em></p>